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Last-Minute Yet Legendary: Khumbila Extends Its Winning Streak at DSN 2026

Sagarmatha Hall, 6 February 2026, Deerwalk Sifal Night (DSN) 2026 brought together students, teachers, and parents for an evening filled with energy, culture, and celebration. Among the many performances of the night, the highlight was the much-anticipated Grade 12 dance competition between Lobuche and Khumbila.

For the Grade 12 students, this was more than just another event; it was their final major school celebration before fully committing to board examination preparations. But do not be deceived; it was not merely an event. It was a battle, with pride, legacy, and ego on the line. The hunger to be crowned the “best section” was palpable. The reigning champions, Khumbila, were determined to defend their title for the fifth consecutive year, while Lobuche, the relentless challengers, were eager to claim the throne.

Against All the Odds

Lobuche began practising two weeks prior to the event. In contrast, Khumbila was completely unprepared. Participants had not even been selected, and many potential performers were occupied with other events. To make matters worse, with DSN only two weeks away and the Art Exhibition scheduled the week before, several key team members were tied up with additional responsibilities.

As a result, Khumbila began preparations a week later than their rivals. Practice time was extremely limited; the team managed only around 12 hours of rehearsal in total.

By the time Khumbila had started practising, Lobuche, led by Bitisha, already looked strong and fierce. Their concept was distinctive and rooted in Newa culture, incorporating elements of the Lakhey dance, jatras, and lively Newa songs. Compared to their competitors, Khumbila felt their own concept was simpler and less experimental.

Khumbila’s performance drew inspiration from Magar, Rai, Gurung, and Limbu cultures, presented through a vibrant Nepali cultural dance. The five-minute performance was choreographed entirely by four girls from the section. Sanchita and Labisha played leading roles in designing the steps and formations, while Rubina and Darshika (me) assisted in teaching the choreography to the remaining participants. The girls wore traditional Gurung attire, while the boys performed in daura suruwal, giving the performance an authentic cultural essence.

However, preparation was far from smooth.

“At one point, we were convinced we wouldn’t win,” shared one of the participants. “Our dance wasn’t even fully completed the day before the performance.”

On Thursday after school, just one day before DSN, the choreography was still unfinished. One of the main choreographers had to leave early, and even the transitions were not properly managed. Doubt filled the room. But instead of giving up, the team persevered. Through sheer grit and determination, they completed the dance just in time for the event.

After watching their competitors rehearse, Khumbila rapidly began losing hope. Yet they accepted fate with a smile; if they were to fall, they would fall laughing. The team decided, “So what if we lose? We will still have fun.” With the pressure of winning lifted from their minds and convinced that defeat was inevitable, Khumbila prepared to accept their fate while making the most of the experience.

The Performance Night

As the lights illuminated the battlefield, Sagarmatha Hall, the atmosphere turned electric. One by one, performances began and ended until the moment of anticipation arrived. Lobuche performed first, lighting up the stage with an energetic dance celebrating Newa culture. The applause was thunderous, yet the heartbeat of Khumbila’s team backstage felt even louder.

Filled with a mixture of fear and excitement, Khumbila prepared for what felt like the battle of the ages.

Although they entered the stage with low expectations of winning, they gave everything they had. They performed with full energy and spirit. The cheers from the audience strengthened them. Their classmates hooted and supported them loudly, boosting their confidence and enhancing their stage presence.

Unable to see Lobuche’s full performance from backstage, Khumbila braced themselves for the worst. Even though they felt the audience reception to their performance had been stronger, they remained convinced they would lose. The members kept saying, “Khumbila le trophy na jitte pani man jitchha.” Even if Khumbila does not win the trophy, it wins hearts, as they tried to accept their presumed defeat.

An Unexpected Victory

As the results were being calculated, both sections were instructed to stay backstage. Khumbila, certain of their loss, was already discussing what they would do afterwards. Conversations about the possibility of winning were quickly dismissed by members who had lost hope.

Then came the announcement.

Khumbila emerged victorious, extending its five-year winning streak and once again proving itself the triumphant section.

The victory surprised many, including Khumbila themselves. What had begun as a performance done “just for fun,” something they had mentally written off, became a source of immense pride and joy. The entire team rushed onto the stage, happiness etched across their faces. Lifting the trophy felt like conquering the world, and perhaps, in that moment, it truly did.

There is nothing more satisfying than snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

More Than Just a Competition

While Khumbila secured the title, Lobuche’s performance stood out for its strong concept and cultural representation. Their Newa-themed dance, featuring elements such as the Lakhey dance, showcased effort, planning, and artistic vision. Their work elevated the level of competition and pushed both sections to give their best.

Unlike the previous year, when many students were still adjusting to a new school environment, DSN 2026 felt different. This time, they truly understood the spirit of the event. It was not only about competition, but also about participation, culture, and togetherness.

Though the class may not describe itself as exceptionally close, this event brought them together in unexpected ways. For a brief period, stress, academic pressure, and personal differences faded behind shared laughter, rehearsals, and collective determination.

If described in two words, DSN 2026 for Khumbila would be:

Last-minute. Legendary.

In the end, DSN 2026 was not merely about winning, but about celebrating culture, effort, resilience, and the shared spirit of Grade 12.